The Center for Women and Spirituality, in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Joseph, first presented this new prayer experience on Sunday, November 27, 2005 in Our Lady of Victory Chapel as part of the Sisters' Advent Vesper Series. This program of music, movement, word and visual art is rooted in ancient Advent texts, the "O Antiphons," and features the work of Theresa Cotter, Donna Kasbohm, Ansgar Holmberg, CSJ, and Karen Hilgers, CSJ.
Background: This program was created around a series of drawings that Ansgar Holmberg, CSJ created, based on the "O Antiphons," seven biblical verses that are recited (or chanted) during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours the week before Chirstmas, December 17-23. The liturgical use of these antiphons dates back to the 8th century and perhaps as early as the late 5th century.
Each antiphon draws on an Old Testament text that highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Sr. Ansgar's artwork provides a contemporary, justice-oriented meditation and interpretation of these ancient texts. Theresa Cotter, Donna Kasbohm, and Karen Hilgers, CSJ composed text, music, and movement to create this program. | .. | Artist Ansgar Holmberg, CSJ |